In fog-induced accidents, 44 vehicles collided with each other at two places on NH-24 early on Tuesday. Around 20 people were injured. The pile-ups took place near Hapur and Garhmukteshwar.

In fog-induced accidents, 44 vehicles collided with each other at two places on NH-24 early on Tuesday. Around 20 people were injured. The pile-ups took place near Hapur and Garhmukteshwar.

The Ghaziabad administration has deployed an ambulance on the highway till January 31. The police have also intensified patrolling. Last month, 20 cars and tempos had collided on a hazy stretch of NH-24 near Hapur. Even as fog-related accidents have started wreaking havoc on two major road links — NH-24 and Noida-Greater Noida expressway — the traffic police say precaution by drivers can only avoid mishaps.

Chief traffic inspector of Gautam Budha Nagar Saifuddin Beg said, “For these two road links, we have arranged for lighting, signages and reflective markers, but they’re effective only when there’s good visibility. In case of a pile-up or collision, PCR vans and cranes are ready. But the key lies in using fog light and driving cautiously.” He admitted foggy conditions have led to a rise in the number of accidents.

NH-24 has many Noida entry points: Model Town, NIB Chowki, etc. Likewise, people in Ghaziabad use various points to reach the highway. Office-goers in Noida and Ghaziabad use the highway — a crucial link connecting Noida, Ghaziabad and Delhi — twice a day to and fro Delhi. The Greater Noida expressway is also a crucial link.